Opposition Seeks CEC Gyanesh Kumar’s Resignation Over Voter-Roll Row

Opposition groups are demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over allegations of widespread voter-list manipulation during the verification of India’s roughly one billion voters.
The Indian Express reported that Kumar’s two de facto deputies raised at least 14 formal objections over 10 months. Analysts estimate 130 million names have been struck off since the revision round began last year.
Government ministers, the BJP and the poll body have denied the charges, and Kumar, 62, has denied all allegations. The Election Commission said “differing views and observations are a normal part of deliberation in any institution.”
On Thursday, Rahul Gandhi alleged the poll body had failed its constitutional responsibilities and accused Kumar of manipulating the electoral process. TMC MP Mahua Moitra lodged a formal complaint on September 24.
The youth-led Cockroach Janta Party has threatened nationwide protests on Friday. On Saturday, the Election Commission ordered a review of its voter-roll software. The committee’s findings could decide how this controversy plays out.
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